EDC Hears Plan to Create Women-Led Companies

December 14, 2016 3:21 PM |
Anonymous

As part of a plan to encourage the creation, growth and support of women-led businesses in Essex, Kristin Humbargar presented the Essex Economic Development Commission with a preliminary plan November 14 to help the area transition into a hub of female-owned businesses.

“If what drives an economy is constantly trying to pull other people in from outside of your borders, you’re missing a huge opportunity,” Humbargar said.

That untapped potential, she said, lies in female entrepreneurs.

“Fifty-one percent of the Vermont working population is women,” Humbargar said. “And only 9 percent of the revenue generated in Vermont is from [women-owned] businesses.”

In her plan, Humbargar outlined possible steps Essex could take to foster a climate that will attract female entrepreneurs and business owners. These include starting a Women Business Owners Network chapter in Essex, acknowledging businesses that keep women’s issues at the forefront of their business strategy and creating incentives and mentorships at female-owned businesses.